Sri Lanka Link

Sri Lanka Link is a charity based in Goudhurst and Kilndown, linking our two parishes with the Theological College of Lanka at Pilimatalawa in Sri Lanka.  Over many years it has supported Christians in that remote island (which is largely Buddhist) through prayer, exchange visits and gifts of money for special projects and needs.

The College trains ordinands from the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian traditions.  It caters for about 40 students per year for a 4 year programme which involves interaction with the local Buddhist Monk, together with Catholic, Hindu and Muslim exchange and input.  We support their annual Field Work Programme when students go out into the community all over the country - a valuable precursor to their ministry when they graduate.

We have also become involved in smaller parish-orientated projects introduced by the Bishops and other personal contacts within the church network.  Funds are sent only via the Bishops' or Archdeacons' accounts, in view of the sensitive reaction of the Buddhist majority in Sri Lanka who fear "sponsored conversion from the West".  Our Christian friends, being a significant minority, work very closely with their Buddhist colleagues.  We do not differentiate as to where or for whom funds are used.

Several of us have visited our contacts in Sri lanka and, over the last 20 years, we have been able to host visits from them to us, and also to receive visits by bishops, the College's principal, other clergy and students from the College as well as a youth group.  Bob Campbell-Smith, our former vicar and the founder of the Link, is our Life President and takes a keen interest in all that happens.

We have learned an enormous amount and have gained so much from our Sri Lankan friends.  The Tsunami gave our Link, although small, a higher profile and within a few weeks we were able to raise £40,000 to help victims.  For further information on the Link please contact Roger Coombs by e-mail (roger@rcc.eclipse.co.uk).